Category: Woodstock

  • Music in the Hudson Valley: Navigating New York’s Vibrant Music Venues

    Explore the vibrant musical landscape of the Hudson Valley with an array of venues offering unique music experiences. From dance-filled nights to repurposed factories hosting eclectic performances, each spot contributes to the Hudson Valley region’s diverse music scene.

    From just south of Albany, flowing all the way through Westchester, here’s a curated selection of standout venues, each adding it’s own distinct flavor to the Hudson Valley’s musical tapestry. Be sure to check out our look at venues in New York City, Central New York, Southern Tier, Western New York, Rochester and the Finger Lakes, the Berkshires, Long Island, Capital Region, and North Country as well.

    Ashokan Center (Olivebridge)

    The Ashokan Center is an independent music & nature nonprofit established in 2008 that is not only education, open to hosting public community events, but also music and dance camps, as well as a Winter and Summer Hoot – short for hootenanny.

    Address: 477 Beaverkill Rd, Olivebridge, 12461

    Website

    Avalon Lounge (Catskill)

    Gear up for a night of dancing at Avalon Lounge! Its dynamic lighting and dance club atmosphere set the stage for unforgettable performances by both up-and-coming and beloved Hudson Valley artists.

    Address: 29 Church St, Catskill, 12414

    Website

    Avalon Lounge, Alon Koppel

    Bardavon (Poughkeepsie)

    One of the oldest continuously operating theaters in New York State, and one of the oldest in the country, Bardavon was built in 1869 and served as a community performing arts center until 1923, then as a cinema and home for vaudeville until 1975, before reopening as a general performing arts facility in 1976.

    Address: 35 Market St, Poughkeepsie, 12601

    Website

    photo by Mickey Deneher

    Basilica Hudson (Hudson)

    Basilica Hudson, housed in a repurposed factory, stands as a haven for artists. With a blend of industrial and pastoral aesthetics, this venue hosts concerts, art shows, and movie screenings, fostering a unique and environmentally responsible space.

    Address: Basilica Hudson, 110 Front St, Hudson, 12534

    Website

    BeanRunner Café (Peekskill)

    For a delightful mix of community acts and delectable bites, BeanRunner Café in Peekskill is the place to be for local music and fare.

    Address: 201 S Division St, Peekskill, 10566

    Website

    Bearsville Theatre (Woodstock)

    Originally built by Albert Grossman and opened in 1970, the historic recording studio and destination venue remains a special place where artists can rehearse for tours, record audio and/org video, and perform in an intimate, acoustic setting. The venue has been revitalized in recent years by new owner, Lizzie Vann, who has restored the theater and grounds, making great investments to preserve decades of music history while continuing to keep the tradition alive.

    Address: 291 Tinker St, Woodstock, 12498

    Website

    photo by Em Walis

    Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

    Founded on Yasgur’s Farm, site of the historic 1969 Woodstock music festival, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts opened in 2006 with the New York Philharmonic performing on opening night. An on-site museum, exploring Woodstock and the culture of the 1960s, opened in June 2008.

    Address: 200 Hurd Rd, Bethel, 12720

    Website

    Photo courtesy of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.

    Big Cat (Kingston)

    Located on the shores of the Rondout Creek, this DIY space in downtown Kingston is obscure and hosts occasional shows, shared only to the venue’s Instagram.

    Address: 428 Abeel St, Kingston, 12401

    Website

    The Capitol Theatre & Garcia’s (Port Chester)

    An iconic rock ‘n’ roll venue, The Capitol Theatre, steeped in history, continues to host spectacular performances. For a more laid-back experience, explore Garcia’s, the venue’s bar location with pre and post shows, as well as stand-alone nights of music as well!

    Address: 149 Westchester Ave, Port Chester, 10573

    Website

    The Capitol Theatre – photo by Steve Malinski

    Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts (Katonah)

    A destination for exceptional music, captivating programs, spectacular gardens and grounds, and wonderful moments with friends and family, Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts is a not-for-profit organization, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Through innovative and diverse musical performances, Caramoor has a mission to mentor young professional musicians and provide educational programs for young children centered around music.

    Address: 149 Girdle Ridge Rd, Katonah, 10536

    Website

    City Winery Hudson Valley (Montgomery)

    City Winery Hudson Valley offers not only captivating musical acts but also an extensive wine list. Enjoy brunch or evening performances featuring renowned names amidst a winery setting.

    Address: 23 Factory St, Montgomery, 12549

    Website

    Photo By Al Pereira

    The Colony (Woodstock)

    Originally a hotel built in the 1920s, The Colony in Woodstock combines vintage charm with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, providing an unforgettable experience.

    Address: 22 Rock City Rd, Woodstock, 12498

    Website

    Daryl’s House (Pawling)

    Experience the casual, intimate setting of Daryl’s House, known from the series Live From Daryl’s House. Enjoy beers, camaraderie, and live jamming sessions.

    Address: 130 NY-22, Pawling, 12564

    Website

    Elysium Furnace Works (Poughkeepsie)

    Co-led by Mike Faloon and James Keepnews, Elysium Furnace Works is a cooperative project that seeks to present the work of upcoming artists in dedicated art-focused settings. While not exclusive to live music, EFW primarily works through live music venues at 19th century VBI Theatre, part of the Hudson Valley’s Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center.

    Address: 12 Vassar Street in Poughkeepsie, 12601

    Website

    Emelin Theatre for Performing Arts (Mamaroneck)

    Bringing Broadway magic to the Hudson Valley, Emelin Theatre hosts stage productions, bands, comedy groups, and dance troupes in a large, versatile venue.

    Address: 153 Library Ln, Mamaroneck, 10543

    Website

    The Falcon (Marlboro)

    With a breathtaking view of Marlboro Falls, The Falcon offers both incredible scenery and exceptional music. Indulge in dinner and a show in its spacious dining room.

    Address: 1348 Rte 9W, Marlboro, 12542

    Website

    The Falcon, Poughkeepsie Journal

    Gardiner Brewing Company-Gardiner

    Featuring live music every weekend, Gardiner Brewing Company is farmer-owned and operated, opening its doors in Fall 2018. Founded by the 5th generation of the Wright’s Farm family, the brewery is focused on using the ingredients they grow to make delicious, seasonal beers. The Barn at Gardiner Brewing hosts live music every Saturday night, nearly year-round.

    Address: 699 NY-208, Gardiner, 12525

    Website

    Hudson Hall (Hudson)

    Hudson Hall is located on the site of New York State’s oldest surviving theater. After being abandoned for decades, local citizens came together in 1992 to save the building and establish a cultural center, reopening the first ground floor rooms in 1998, and completed a $9.5 million restoration of its magnificent performance hall in 2017.

    Address: 327 Warren St, Hudson, 12534

    Website

    The Jazz Forum (Tarrytown)

    Jazz enthusiasts will find paradise at The Jazz Forum, hosting incredible musicians in a classy dinner-party atmosphere.

    Address: 1 Dixon Ln, Tarrytown, 10591

    Website

    Joe & Joe’s (Pearl River)

    For over 80 years and 4 generations, the Longobardo family continues the tradition of old school Italian American cooking in Pearl River, originally having started in the Bronx. Great for those who love live music and delicious food.

    Address: 65 E Central Ave, Pearl River, 10965

    Website

    Last Chance Tavern (Tannersville)

    Decorated with hanging musical instruments and antiques, Last Chance Tavern is a full service restaurant, antique store, and gourmet shop with delicious cheeses and beers, plus great live music each week.

    Address: 6009 Main St, Tannersville, 12485

    Website

    Levon Helm Studios (Woodstock)

    Known as “the barn,” Levon Helm Studios, designed by the legendary drummer, offers an acoustically perfect venue for near-religious live music experiences.

    Address: 160 Plochmann Ln, Woodstock, 12498

    Website

    The Local (Saugerties)

    Opened in 2023, The Local is housed in a former Dutch chapel built in the 1800s, restored as a space for arts, culture, and community. Owners Isabel Soffer and Danny Melnick are also co-founders of Hudson Valley Live and bring more than 30 years to producing festivals, concerts, and curated arts experiences to the venue.

    Address: 16 John St, Saugerties, 12477

    Website

    Maureen’s Jazz Cellar (Nyack)

    Honoring the late jazz vocalist Maureen Budway, this venue in Nyack captivates with excellent jazz, complemented by delectable food and drinks.

    Address: 2 N Broadway, Nyack, 10960

    Website

    Olive’s (Nyack)

    Olive’s isn’t just the longest operating bar in the town of Nyack, but also boasts a great deal of live music throughout the year, with an emphasis on the local indie scene. Described as “trendy, hip, indie, and above all attitude free but well behaved,” Olive’s serves great food from Marianne Olive’s garden, as well as great veggie and vegan options.

    Address: 118 Main Street, Nyack 10960

    Website

    Paramount Hudson Valley (Peekskill)

    Originally a 1500-seat movie palace built by Publix Pictures, a subsidiary of Paramount Pictures, the Peekskill Paramount Theater first opened in June of 1930. Now named Paramount Hudson Valley and is managed by Paramount Hudson Valley Arts, the group has a goal of making this landmark theater a destination for the very best of live music and performing arts.

    Address: 1008 Brown St, Peekskill, 10566

    Website

    photo by Steve Malinski

    Quinn’s (Beacon)

    Located in downtown Beacon, Quinn’s has a wide array of live music performances, including weekly jazz sessions, along with great ramen, sakes, and even greater bar fare at this diamond in the rough venue.

    Address: 330 Main St, Beacon, NY 12508

    Website

    Resorts World Catskills (Monticello)

    Nestled among the beauty of the Catskill Mountains, Resorts World Catskills offers an unmatched experience in excitement, entertainment, and luxury, bringing tribute acts, DJs and national artists to venues and bars inside.

    Address: 888 Resorts World Dr, Monticello, 12701

    Website

    Rosendale Theater (Rosendale)

    The Rosendale Theatre is an independently owned venue, and a regional and national gem. of its kind. It is a gem, not only in the region, but nationally and internationally. Originally opened in 1905 as the Rosendale Casino, by the 1930s, a stage was installed for live vaudeville and burlesque acts. Films and live theatre can be found these days in Rosendale.

    Address: 408 Main St, Rosendale, 12472

    Website

    The Silk Factory (Newburgh)

    Silk Factory is located in the heart of historic Newburgh, in a former factory from 1910, where silk thread was once made. Now a music venue, event space, restaurant and much more is found here in Newburgh.

    Address: 299 Washington St, Newburgh, 12550

    Website

    Snug Harbor (New Paltz)

    The best dive bar in all of New Paltz, Snug Harbor – A.K.A. Snugs – is open daily from 12pm-4am and features live music from local and touring bands, with shows going late thanks to being on the cusp of the SUNY New Paltz campus.

    Address: 38 Main St, New Paltz, 12561

    Website

    photo by Tony Adamis

    Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center (Chester)

    Originally known as the Lycian Center for the Performing Arts, The Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center is surrounded by eight acres of beautiful mountain and lake views, with a capacity of nearly 700 seats, bringing in summer concert series, international touring acts, educational programs and much more.

    Address: 1351 Kings Hwy, Sugar Loaf, 10918

    Website

    Tarrytown Music Hall (Tarrytown)

    Built in 1885 by chocolate magnate William L Wallace, Tarrytown Music Hall opened during Tarrytown’s “Millionaire’s Colony” era when prominent families resided in the town and gathered at the Music Hall for its lavish balls, flower shows and concerts. Tarrytown Music Hall is the oldest theater in Westchester County and one of the finest examples of Queen Anne decorative brickwork in the county. 

    Address: 13 Main St Floor 2, Tarrytown, 10591

    Website

    Tin Barn Brewing (Chester)

    Founded in 2015 by a local father-daughter team, Tin Barn Brewing has two locations – in the Hudson Valley town of Chester, and the Finger Lakes city of Dundee, near Watkins Glens. A farm brewery specializing in some of the juiciest IPA’s in New England, a “Friday Night Acoustic Series” runs from January to March 2024, featuring some of the area’s finest singers, songwriters & duos, with a new stage and lighting for a more personal feeling.

    Address: 62 Kings Highway Bypass Chester, 10918

    Website

    The Towne Crier (Beacon)

    A mainstay of the Hudson Valley since 1972, this former stagecoach stop in the hamlet of Beekmanville was relocated first to Pawling and is now located in Beacon. The Towne Crier welcomes a great deal of world-class talent, and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022.

    Address: 379 Main St, Beacon, 12508

    Website

    photo by Mickey Deneher

    Tubbys (Kingston)

    A neighborhood bar with food from Junebug’s Good Cookin’, Tubbys has a killer mezcal selection, natural wine, cocktails, rotating drafts, and fresh cans. Live music on occasion with sounds leaning to the left of the center. Expect cumbia, country, disco, and everything in between on the turntable.

    Address: 586 Broadway, Kingston, 12401

    Website

    Ulster Performing Arts Center (Kingston)

    Originally the Broadway Theater and Community Theatre, Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC) was build in 1926 and one of only three pre-World War II theaters in the Hudson Valley. Today, UPAC is operated by Bardavon Theatre, with the Hudson Valley Philharmonic calling the exquisite acoustics of the proscenium theater, home.

    Address: 601 Broadway, Kingston, 12401

    Website

    photo by Em Walis

    Uncle Cheefs (Brewster)

    In eastern Putnam County, you’ll find live music every Wednesday through Sunday at Uncle Cheefs, in a perfectly lit room decorated with love and built to achieve the finest in acoustics. With a multi-cam video system and state of the art in house multi-track recording studio, you’ll love the music live and reliving them later on thanks for Uncle Cheefs.

    Address: 88 NY-22 Unit C, Brewster 10509

    Website

  • Nick Waterhouse to Rock Bearsville Theater This April

    Radio Woodstock, WDST 100.1 has announced singer-songwriter and record producer Nick Waterhouse will be performing live at the Bearsville Theater this April.

    Bearsville Theater, located in Woodstock, will present this musical journey of shifting genres to captivate diverse audiences.

    Nick Waterhouse is known for his multi-genre music, his distinctive sound, and his dynamic stage presence. His music can be described as having elements of R&B, vintage pop, garage rock, doo-wop, and other genres. With a sound so dynamic and unique, the show at Bearsville Theater is sure to be nothing short of enchanting.

    The show is set for April 19 at 8 PM, with doors officially opening at 7 PM.

    Radio Woodstock 100.1 WDST is an extraordinarily influential rock station, a stellar outlet for an artist to be involved with in any capacity. The New York Times has tagged them as their “favorite thing about around the Hudson Valley.” Radio Woodstock curates music and informational programming, advertising campaigns, digital marketing solutions, and virtual and live music experiences. Nick Waterhouse is a live music experience that one would seriously not want to miss.

    Tickets for the show go on sale Friday, January 26 at 10 AM. To purchase tickets, visit RadioWoodstock.com.

  • Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams Return with Latest Single “Desert Island Dreams”

    Three-time GRAMMY-winning producer and Woodstock residents Larry Campbell, and singer-guitarist Teresa Williams have announced the release of their latest single, “Desert Island Dreams.” The single is a true Americana piece with a road-trip feel, complete with hearty guitar licks and soulful vocals.

    Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams  Desert Island Dreams

    The single, “Desert Island Dreams” is an upbeat ode about disregarding the madness of the modern world. While the world around us may be hectic, we always have the chance to slip away to our own desert island and dream in peace. Whether that desert island be literal or metaphorical, we can all find one to escape the monotony and chaos. Campbell has his creative roots as a multi-instrumentalist with Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow, Keith Richards, and others, and Williams as a stage actor in productions like Keep On the Sunny Side and Always… Patsy Cline. Together, the creative and talented duo combine to become the couple of Americana.

    Desert Island Dreams

    The duo also has a new album titled, All This Time, set to release April 5. The album is a milestone, marking 40 years of musicianship and partnership of the duo. Also on the duo’s agenda, a tour across multiple states is currently in effect.

    Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams 2024 tour dates

    1/13 – South Walton, FL – 30A Songwriter Festival

    1/14 – South Walton, FL – 30A Songwriter Festival

    1/17 – Cancún, Quintana Roo – Feat Camp

    1/18 – Cancún, Quintana Roo – Feat Camp

    1/19 – Cancún, Quintana Roo – Feat Camp

    1/20 – Cancún, Quintana Roo – Feat Camp

    4/16 – Boston, MA – City Winery

    4/17 – Fairfield, CT – Stage One

    4/18 – Ardmore, PA – Ardmore Music Hall

    4/20 – Vienna, VA – Jammin’ Java

    4/21 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird Music Hall

    4/23 – Columbus, OH – Natalie’s

    4/24 – Detroit, MI – Magic Bag

    4/26 – Chicago, IL – Old Town School of Folk Music

    4/27 – Minneapolis, MN – Parkway Theater

    4/30 – Kansas City, MO – Knuckleheads

    5/1 – St Louis, MO – Off Broadway

    5/3 – Nashville, TN – 3rd & Lindsley 

    5/4 – Atlanta, GA – Eddie’s Attic

    5/5 – Atlanta, GA – Eddie’s Attic

    5/11 – Lexington, TN – Main & Monroe

    For more information on Larry and Teresa’s upcoming shows or releases, click here. Stay up to date on Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams’ album, All This Time. To listen to the duo’s latest single. “Desert Island Dreams,” see below.

  • Richard James of Neighbor Talks “Silver” and Neighbor Nine, ahead of Weekend Shows at Putnam Place and Levon Helm Studios

    Neighbor will make their way to Saratoga Springs for the first time on Friday, January 19, having grown a sizeable following in the Northeast over the past five years. They’ll also be at Levon Helm Studios the next night, January 20, for an intimate show, sure to be packed with diehard fans on what looks to be a frosty night.

    Speaking with singer and keyboardist Richard James, one had to know – how did it take so long to come to Saratoga Springs?

    “Every time we come to Putnam Place with Pink Talking Fish is a blast, and I wanted to make sure the first time we played there with Neighbor, it was a packed house and the date made sense. Having not played Saratoga Springs definitely has driven up interest in the show, and could be the start of something.”

    Neighbor is the creation of childhood neighbors Richard James (vocals, keys) and Lyle Brewer (guitar), plus Dan Kelly (bass) and Dean “The Dux” Johnston (drums), together combining ambitious composition, soulful balladry, and a fearless approach to improvisations with intent, creating Neighbor’s “down home” sound.

    While James was touring with Pink Talking Fish, Brewer went on to teach guitar at Berklee College of Music, and in 2018 they revisited playing music together. With no barriers, it was like they were back in middle school, writing songs and performing together. The two are now finding balance after five years, between songwriting and jamming on (mostly) original material each night.

    neighbor
    photo by Chris Capaci

    Having just celebrated their 5 year anniversary as a band earlier this month, but four years ago in early 2020, Neighbor was just getting warmed up when COVID hit, shutting down the live music industry. Thus, in the years that have followed, they have been strategic with their touring schedule.

    “All members of the band have families and kids. Lyle is an instructor at Berklee College of Music, and Dean is drum chair at Milton Academy outside of Boston, so routing needs to work out among balanced schedules and family obligations”

    This, while also trying to push as hard as they can without burning out or taking away from instruction at these music schools, maneuvering the the band’s direction deftly. The band, collectively, wants to make sure they are not overwhelmed by how much is going on – the number of shows, the time on the road and away from home.

    As a band, Neighbor wants longevity, and they’ll defer to taking the slow road instead of rushing. 

    neighbor
    photo by Chris Capaci

    Neighbor saw its genesis well before 2018, going back to when James was on the road with Pink Talking Fish. “I’ve been writing since I ever got into music. Once I got started with Pink Talking Fish, I toured for six or seven years straight, compiled all this original music, and it was eventually time to do something different,” said James. After spending a day in New Orleans with piano legend Jon Cleary and gaining clarity towards a vision for his music, he began a Tuesday night residency at Thunder Road in Somerville, recruiting childhood neighbor Lyle Brewer, hence the band name, Neighbor.

    For Neighbor’s five year anniversary, they decided to go back to their roots and recently announced a five week residency, one week for each year as a band, to pay tribute to how things came to be what they are now. James recalls those early Neighbor shows. “There are so many weird, crazy antics we would do at Tuesday night residencies in the past, special guests, switching up instruments, keeping fans on their toes and coming back for more the next week.” They look to bring back this magic with their upcoming residency at Soundcheck Studios, starting February 20 through March 19, every Tuesday night. “A lot of people travel to see us, and although we play the songs differently each night to keep it fresh, to give it that extra factor (horns), keeping it interesting where fans won’t want to miss a show” said James.

    There is also the Neighbor rock opera, Silver, which was recently performed with the “Neighbor Nine,” where five additional horns and back up singers join the Neighbor quartet for a surprise factor on any given night. The Neighbor Nine come together with the full band, plus Matt Wayne (saxophone), James Cronin (trumpet), Rob Krahn (trombone), with Renee DuPuis and Joanne Cassidy as backup vocalists. The band has custom baseball jerseys, and if four members are wearing them, you might see the three horns and two singers come out and join Neighbor for some or all of the show. 

    Performing Silver was hands down the show of the year. I was blown away by the musicianship of the other band members, and even with limited opportunities to practice in advance, we ran a bunch of music during soundcheck and it was all there, no one skipped a beat. To have that trust and perform at the level we did – including songs played that night for the first time – it was magical. Adding in the show was rescheduled from October when the shooting in Lewiston postponed many events, in this case until January – which meant practice during the holiday season, a tough call for family-centric band members, but they pulled it off.

    Richard James

    That rock opera is based on the whole idea behind Neighbor – “let’s go out and have fun,” as James puts it. “The moment this stops being fun, it’s time we should stop doing it. We thought it would be fun to write a rock odyssey. Lyle and Richard grew up on rock operas, and we gave it a go during COVID, escaping the division in the country while settling on a story: two guys plan to leave the planet, stumble upon a guy who has the answers, and take off on an interstellar adventure, spread out over 10 songs, ” “Magic Marble Crew,” “Magna Zero” and “We Need You” among them. The story unfolds as the pair discover different civilizations, steal a spaceship, all in the pursuit of finding a home where everyone looks out for each other – neighbors helping neighbors, if you will.”

    Having just released 30 shows on Nugs.Net and a thorough collection of music on the Neighbor Bandcamp page, Neighbor’s diverse catalog of hundreds of songs makes them one of the most exciting and unpredictable live bands in the music scene today. Don’t miss them at Putnam Place on Friday, January 19, and Saturday, January 20 at Levon Helm Studios.